HALIFAX — Family and friends of a Nova Scotia teen whose suicide has again put the spotlight on bullying were urged at her funeral on Saturday to celebrate her life but also to use her story to draw attention to larger problems in society.

Rehtaeh Parsons has gained widespread international attention since her family blamed her death on bullying that was linked to an alleged sexual assault by four boys at a house party in 2011.

More than 100 people filed into St. Mark’s Anglican Church in the city’s north end under grey skies to say goodbye to the 17-year-old who hanged herself and was taken off life-support last Sunday.

In his eulogy, Rev. John Morrell noted that social media contributed to Rehtaeh’s depression and death, but said it also allowed her family to share her story around the world.

“It is a time of celebration and thanksgiving of her short life amongst us,” said Morrell in a copy of the eulogy. “However, given the worldwide attention to the events leading up to this tragedy, it is appropriate to focus on what happened tomorrow, and the day after, and weeks and years to come.

“How can our society provide a safe haven for young girls? Why do young men feel that young girls are but objects for their sexual fantasies and pleasure? Why do teenagers avoid seeking help when they are depressed and suicidal?”

The sound of church bells could be heard echoing through the busy street over the sound of a bagpiper as an eclectic mix of people — from teenagers to politicians — filed into the church.

Some could be seen hugging and crying as the rain gently rolled off their umbrellas.

After the service, a handful of pallbearers in dark suits carried an urn encased in a glass box down the church’s steps and into a hearse as family members followed behind.

Angella Parsons, Rehtaeh’s cousin, said since her death, the support from the community has been overwhelming, calling it “A true testament to the beauty of humanity.”

“We are eternally grateful for the large gathering of friends and strangers that Rae’s story has touched,” said Parsons, clutching a small stuffed dog — its tag baring the name Rehtaeh. “The family has been recipients of random acts of kindness from people who we don’t even know.”

Parsons said some of Rehtaeh’s close friends held a private vigil in front of their home in the suburb of Cole Harbour on Friday. The night before, about 300 people gathered in a downtown Halifax park to pay tribute.

The funeral service comes a day after the RCMP announced it would reopen its investigation into an alleged sexual assault of Parsons in 2011.

Investigators say they received new and credible information from a source who is willing to work with them.

On Monday, her family went public with her suicide, which they said stemmed from months of bullying that was the result of the alleged assault by four boys when she was 15-years-old.

At the time, the RCMP and Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service said there were insufficient grounds to lay charges.

The family contends it took 10 months for investigators to interview the boys, but the RCMP have said they can’t confirm or deny that.

On Friday, the “hacktivist” group Anonymous released what it said were new details about the four boys linked to the alleged rape. Their intention was to force the RCMP to take action and lay charges.

In a statement posted online Friday morning, Anonymous claims that one of the boys has admitted to having sex with Parsons: “One of the alleged rapists has made several public statements admitting that he did have sex with Rehtaeh on the night in question.

“He admits she was inebriated at the time, also that she was throwing up during the act.”

The statement also says the boy names the three other teenagers who allegedly took turns having sex with Parsons.

“The individual making this confession is the same boy identified in the photograph [of the act],” the statement says. “He has also admitted to being in the photograph and named the accomplice who took the picture.”

None of the details presented by Anonymous have been independently verified.

“We promote open and frank discussion, people asking questions, that’s a good thing,” said Cpl. MacRae, when asked what kind of impact Anonymous is having on the case. “We encourage people to hold us accountable … we are here to investigate crimes but we have to do so within laws and existing case law.”

As news of Parsons’ death spread, so did anger over a perceived lack of justice.

After seemingly threatening to release the names of the boys, Anonymous now says it will refrain out of respect for Leah, Parsons’ mother, who told the media she did not want people to go after the alleged perpetrators.

All the information Anonymous has gathered, including screenshots of the boy’s confession, has been turned over to police, the statement says.

“We do not seek vigilante justice,” the statement says. “If those who we believe are guilty are exonerated in a court of law, Anonymous will disappear from Nova Scotia.”

In an earlier statement, Anonymous said at least one of the names passed around on social media was wrong.

“It has come to our attention that several names have already been posted online to various websites, even tossed around on Twitter. Be aware that 99% of you have named someone that is innocent,” the statement claims.

“You may have gotten one name right, but all the good you think you are doing will be displaced by the harm you will cause to the innocent young men you have wrongly named. We urge you to be patient. If it’s a guilty party you’re looking for, look no further than the RCMP or the Cole Harbour School District.”

Parsons’ cousin issued an emotional appeal on Thursday to refrain from using violence to avenge her death.

Angella Parsons stood before a sombre crowd of about 300 people in a Halifax park to reflect on Rehtaeh’s short life and the lessons that should be learned from her loss.

“My family asks everyone that they not respond in violence and aggression to this terrible tragedy,” she told the crowd through tears.

“We’re all angry. … Rehtaeh was angry, however, feeling angry and responding in anger and aggression are two very different things.

The RCMP have also discouraged the use of vigilante justice.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter said he came to the service as a father and noted the tremendous outpouring of support for Rehtaeh’s family.

“I am thankful that they have not taken into their own hands what properly belongs in the hands in the justice system,” said Dexter . “Violence is not the answer.”

Morrell said Parsons should be remembered for her loving and caring nature.

“Rehtaeh was a lovely young woman on the threshold of adulthood and maturity,” Morrell said.

“The most important part of our service this morning is to remember Rehtaeh in her early life, to celebrate the love and service she showed to others, and to commend her soul, the spirit that have her life in her earthly body, to the arms of her maker – the eternal God who loves all his children.”

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